Baicalein protects against oxLDL-caused oxidative stress and inflammation by modulation of AMPK-alpha

Antioxidant Efficacy of Hwangryunhaedok-tang through Nrf2 and AMPK Signaling Pathway against Neurological Disorders In Vivo and In Vitro

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a representative cause of dementia and is caused by neuronal loss, leading to the accumulation of aberrant neuritic plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Oxidative stress is involved in the impaired clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ), and Aβ-induced oxidative stress causes AD by inducing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HHT, Kracie K-09®), a traditional herbal medicine prescription, has shown therapeutic effects on various diseases. However, the studies of HHT as a potential treatment for AD are insufficient. Therefore, our study identified the neurological effects and mechanisms of HHT and its key bioactive compounds against Alzheimer's disease in vivo and in vitro. In a 5xFAD mouse model, our study confirmed that HHT attenuated cognitive impairments in the Morris water maze (MWM) test and passive avoidance (PA) test. In addition, the prevention of neuron impairment, reduction in the protein levels of Aβ, and inhibition of cell apoptosis were confirmed with brain tissue staining. In HT-22 cells, HHT attenuates tBHP-induced cytotoxicity, ROS generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It was verified that HHT exerts a neuroprotective effect by activating signaling pathways interacting with Nrf2, such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and LKB1/AMPK. Among the components, baicalein, a bioavailable compound of HHT, exhibited neuroprotective properties and activated the Akt, AMPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Our findings indicate a mechanism for HHT and its major bioavailable compounds to treat and prevent AD and suggest its potential.

Mechanism analysis of Buyang Huanwu decoction in treating atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main risk factors of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWT) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that is used for treating AS. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of BYHWT in treatment of AS through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Molecular structure information and targets of core components of BYHWT were obtained from PubChem and UniProtKB databases. Genes involved in AS were obtained from DisGeNet, GeneCards and OMIM databases. The core targets of BYHWT in AS treatment were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis with STRING platform, and analyzed by gene ontology (GO) analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity between the core targets and the bioactive ingredients. HUVEC viability, inflammatory response and mRNA expression levels of core target genes were evaluated by cell counting kit 8 assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR. A total of 60 candidate compounds and 325 predicted target genes were screened. PPI network analysis suggested that TP53, SRC, STAT3, and AKT1 may be the core targets. BYHWT in AS treatment was associated with 46 signaling pathways. GA120, baicalein, and 3,9-di-o-methylnissolin had good binding affinity with core target proteins. Baicalein treatment could significantly promoted the viability and repress the inflammatory response of HUVEC cells stimulated by ox-LDL. In addition, Baicalein can regulate the expression of core targets including AKT1, MAPK1, PIK3CA, JUN, TP53, SRC, EGFR, and ESR1. In conclusion, BYHWT and its main bioactive component baicalein, inhibit inflammatory response and modulate multiple downstream genes of endothelial cells, and show good potential to block the progression of AS and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases.

An overview of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory potential of baicalein and its metabolite baicalin: Insights into molecular mechanisms

The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly contagious infection that breaks the healthcare systems of several countries worldwide. Till to date, no effective antiviral drugs against COVID-19 infection have reached the market, and some repurposed drugs and vaccines are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of this disease. The currently prescribed COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against the newly emergent variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 due to several mutations in viral spike protein and obviously there is an urgency to develop new antiviral drugs against this disease. In this review article, we systematically discussed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory efficacy of two flavonoids, baicalein and its 7-O-glucuronide, baicalin, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, Oroxylum indicum, and other plants as well as their pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability, for development of safe and effective drugs for COVID-19 treatment. Both baicalein and baicalin target the activities of viral S-, 3CL-, PL-, RdRp- and nsp13-proteins, and host mitochondrial OXPHOS for suppression of viral infection. Moreover, these compounds prevent sepsis-related inflammation and organ injury by modulation of host innate immune responses. Several nanoformulated and inclusion complexes of baicalein and baicalin have been reported to increase oral bioavailability, but their safety and efficacy in SARS-CoV-2-infected transgenic animals are not yet evaluated. Future studies on these compounds are required for use in clinical trials of COVID-19 patients.

TRIM59 attenuates ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell inflammation, apoptosis, and monocyte adhesion through AnxA2

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory vascular disease, is a cause of heart attack and ischemic stroke. Tripartite motif-containing protein 59 (TRIM59), a member of the tripartite motif family, has been reported to be involved in inflammatory diseases. This study was to investigate the role of TRIM59 in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial cells and examine the mechanism of TRIM59.

Methods

To simulate a cellular model of AS in vitro, varying concentrations of ox-LDL (i.e., 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/mL) were used to treat the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for 24 h. The messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein levels of TRIM59, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), and annexin 2 (AnxA2) were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. The transfection efficacy of overexpression (Ov)-TRIM59 and small-interfering RNA-AnxA2 was examined by RT-qPCR and western blot. Cell counting kit-8 assays, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling staining were used to examine viability, LDH expression, inflammation, and apoptosis in HUVECs. The protein levels of B-cell lymphoma 2, Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), cleaved caspase3, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 were assessed by western blot. Additionally, the adhesion of THP-1 to ox-LDL-induced HUVECs was detected using monocyte adhesion assays and the binding of TRIM59 and AnxA2 was verified by co-immunoprecipitation.

Results

This study showed that TRIM59 expression was decreased in the ox-LDL-induced HUVECs while LOX-1 expression was increased. After transfection with Ov-TRIM59, TRIM59 in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs was increased, and TRIM59 overexpression alleviated the viability damage, inflammation, and apoptosis of the ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. In addition, THP-1 adhesion to the ox-LDL-induced HUVECs was also suppressed by TRIM59 overexpression. This study also showed that TRIM59 could bind to AnxA2 and promote AnxA2 expression in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. Moreover, the rescue experiments revealed that TRIM59 suppressed the viability damage, inflammation, apoptosis, and monocyte adhesion of the ox-LDL-induced HUVECs via AnxA2.

Conclusions

TRIM59 protected against ox-LDL-induced AS by binding to AnxA2.

Recent advances of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common systemic disease with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with characteristics of multiple pathways and targets, presents advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

With the modernization of TCM, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of TCM for AS treatment have been gradually revealed. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the existing studies on TCM therapies aimed at regulating AS over the past two decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using "atherosclerosis" and "Traditional Chinese medicine" as keywords, all relevant TCM literature published in the last 10 years was collected from electronic databases (such as Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science), books and papers until March 2022, and the critical information was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

In this review, we highlighted extracts of 8 single herbs, a total of 41 single active ingredients, 20 TCM formulae, and 25 patented drugs, which were described with chemical structure, source, model, efficacy and potential mechanism.

CONCLUSION

We summarized the cytopathological basis for the development of atherosclerosis involving vascular endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, and categorically elaborated the medicinal TCM used for AS, all of which provide the current evidence on the better management of atherosclerosis by TCM.

Natural flavonoids derived from herbal medicines are potential anti-atherogenic agents by inhibiting oxidative stress in endothelial cells

As the common pathological basis of various cardiovascular diseases, the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis (AS) have increased in recent years. Unfortunately, there are still many problems in the treatment of AS, and the prevention and treatment of the disease is not ideal. Up to now, the occurrence and development of AS can roughly include endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, inflammation, foam cell production, and neoangiogenesis. Among them, endothelial dysfunction, as an early event of AS, plays a particularly important role in promoting the development of AS. In addition, oxidative stress occurs throughout the causes of endothelial dysfunction. Some previous studies have shown that flavonoids derived from herbal medicines are typical secondary metabolites. Due to its structural presence of multiple active hydroxyl groups, it is able to exert antioxidant activity in diseases. Therefore, in this review, we will search PubMed, Web of Science, Elesvier, Wliey, Springer for relevant literature, focusing on flavonoids extracted from herbal medicines, and summarizing how they can prevent endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress. Meanwhile, in our study, we found that flavonoid represented by quercetin and naringenin showed superior protective effects both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the potential of flavonoid compounds in the treatment of AS.

Which one of LDL-C /HDL-C ratio and non-HDL-C can better predict the severity of coronary artery disease in STEMI patients

Background

The increase of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is widely accepted as an important factor in the occurrence of atherosclerosis. In recent years, the guidelines have recommended non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) as a secondary target for lipid-lowering therapy. But even as research on the relationship between LDL-C/HDL-C and atherosclerosis increases, it is still undetermined which index is most closely related to the severity of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

901 patients who received coronary angiography due to chest pain were selected. Among them, 772 patients with STEMI represented the test group, and 129 patients with basically normal coronary angiography represented the control group. Researchers measured fasting blood lipids and other indicators after admission, and determined the severity of coronary artery disease using the Gensini score.

Results

LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C indexes were statistically different between the two patient groups. In the test group, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C, arteriosclerosis index (AI), and LDL-C/HDL-C all correlated with the patients' Gensini score. After applying the stepwise method of multiple linear regression analysis (R² = 0.423, β = 0.518, p < 0.05), LDL-C/HDL-C had the most correlation with the patient's Gensini score. ROC curve analysis suggested that LDL-C/HDL-C can predict whether patients with chest pain are STEMI (AUC: 0.880, 95% Cl: 0.847–0.912, p < 0.05). When cutoff value is 2.15, sensitivity is 0.845, and specificity is 0.202, LDL-C/HDL-C is an effective indicator for predicting whether patients with chest pain have STEMI.

Conclusion

Compared to ratios of non-HDL-C and LDL-C, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in patients with STEMI is more correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease. It can better evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease and better predict whether patients with chest pain are STEMI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02760-0.

Selected Plant-Derived Polyphenols as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Peripheral Artery Disease: Molecular Mechanisms, Efficacy and Safety

Vascular diseases, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), are associated with diabetes mellitus and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and even death. Surgical revascularization and pharmacological treatments (mainly antiplatelet, lipid-lowering drugs, and antidiabetic agents) have some effectiveness, but the response and efficacy of therapy are overly dependent on the patient’s conditions. Thus, the demand for new cures exists. In this regard, new studies on natural polyphenols that act on key points involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases and, thus, on PAD are of great urgency. The purpose of this review is to take into account the mechanisms that lead to endothelium dysfunction, such as the glycoxidation process and the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that result in protein misfolding, and to suggest plant-derived polyphenols that could be useful in PAD. Thus, five polyphenols are considered, baicalein, curcumin, mangiferin, quercetin and resveratrol, reviewing the literature in PubMed. The key molecular mechanisms and preclinical and clinical studies of each selected compound are examined. Furthermore, the safety profiles of the polyphenols are outlined, together with the unwanted effects reported in humans, also by searching the WHO database (VigiBase).

Baicalein—A Potent Pro-Homeostatic Regulator of Microglia in Retinal Ischemic Injury

Retinal ischemia is a common cause of many retinal diseases, leading to irreversible vision impairment and blindness. Excessive neuroinflammation, including microglial activation and T-cell responses, has been identified as a critical factor associated with neurodegeneration in retinal ischemia. Baicalein is a natural flavonoid reported to have broad anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective bioactivities. Herein, the effects of baicalein on microglia activation in vitro and in vivo were investigated. We found that baicalein exhibited robust anti-inflammatory effect on cultured human and mouse microglia, as demonstrated by decreased induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Proteomic analysis further unraveled baicalein’s effect on modulating IL-17 signaling pathways and its upstream regulator IL-1β. Intravitreal administration of baicalein in the mouse model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury attenuated microglial activation and retinal T-cell infiltration, particularly the T helper 17 cells. Additionally, baicalein was shown to exert neuroprotective effects by significantly reducing the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after I/R injury, leading to an improved retinal function and spatial vision. These results suggest that baicalein, a natural flavonoid, acts as a negative regulator of activated microglia and immune responses both in vitro and in vivo, effectively alleviating neurodegeneration in retinal I/R injury. This finding indicates that baicalein could be a potential therapeutic agent against currently incurable degenerative retinal diseases.

Cardioprotective effects of phytopigments via multiple signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the deadliest non-communicable diseases, and millions of dollars are spent every year to combat CVDs. Unfortunately, the multifactorial etiology of CVDs complicates the development of efficient therapeutics. Interestingly, phytopigments show significant pleiotropic cardioprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE

This review gives an overview of the cardioprotective effects of phytopigments based on in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials.

METHODS

A literature-based survey was performed to collect the available data on cardioprotective activities of phytopigments via electronic search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus.

RESULTS

Different classes of phytopigments such as carotenoids, xanthophylls, flavonoids, anthocyanins, anthraquinones alleviate major CVDs (e.g., cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiotoxicities) via acting on signaling pathways related to AMPK, NF-κB, NRF2, PPARs, AKT, TLRs, MAPK, JAK/STAT, NLRP3, TNF-α, and RA.

CONCLUSION

Phytopigments represent promising candidates to develop novel and effective CVD therapeutics. More randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies are recommended to establish the clinical efficacy of phytopigments.

Targeting inflammation-associated AMPK//Mfn-2/MAPKs signaling pathways by baicalein exerts anti-atherosclerotic action

Inflammatory responses in macrophages, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Baicalein, a flavonoid phytochemical, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, but the underlying mechanisms of its action are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore whether baicalein inhibited inflammatory activities in RAW264.7, HUVEC, and MOVAS cells and to analyze its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that baicalein treatment effectively reduced the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PAI-1, and MMP-9 released by these cells upon stimulation with Ang II or ox-LDL. We discovered that the molecular mechanisms underlying baicalein suppression of the generation of proinflammatory cytokines were associated with the inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB pathway activity. Moreover, Ang II and ox-LDL intervention decreased the content of Mfn-2 in the three types of cells, but incubation of baicalein alleviated the Ang II/ox-LDL-induced reduction of Mfn-2 levels. Adv-Mfn2 treatment not only increased the expression of Mfn-2 but also reduced the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, p38, JNK, and NF-κB, followed by a decrease in the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, PAI-1, and MMP-9 in the supernatant. Furthermore, our findings indicated that baicalein treatment markedly suppressed the decrease in AMPK activity induced with Ang II and ox-LDL, and incubation with Compound C reversed the effects of baicalein on AMPK activation and Mfn-2 expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that baicalein shows anti-inflammatory properties, probably by activating the AMPK/Mfn-2 axis, accompanied by inhibition of downstream MAPKs/NF-κB signaling transduction.

Metformin Inhibits Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation through the Activation of the AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the antidiabetic drug metformin (MET) can also inhibit abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. However, the underlying protective mechanism remains unknown. It has been reported that phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels are significantly lower in AAA tissues than control aortic tissues. AMPK activation can inhibit the downstream signaling molecule called mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which has also been reported be upregulated in thoracic aneurysms. Thus, blocking mTOR signaling could attenuate AAA progression. MET is a known agonist of AMPK. Therefore, in this study, we investigated if MET could inhibit formation of AAA by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The AAA animal model was induced by intraluminal porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) perfusion in male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were treated with MET or compound C (C.C), which is an AMPK inhibitor. AAA formation was monitored by serial ultrasound. Aortas were collected 4 weeks after surgery and subjected to immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy analyses.

RESULTS

MET treatment dramatically inhibited the formation of AAA 4 weeks after PPE perfusion. MET reduced the aortic diameter, downregulated both macrophage infiltration and matrix metalloproteinase expression, decreased neovascularization, and preserved the contractile phenotype of the aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we detected an increase in autophagy after MET treatment. All of these effects were reversed by the AMPK inhibitor C.C.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that MET activates AMPK and suppresses AAA formation. Our study provides a novel mechanism for MET and suggests that MET could be potentially used as a therapeutic candidate for preventing AAA.

Promising influences of Scutellaria baicalensis and its two active constituents, baicalin, and baicalein, against metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome is known as a group of metabolic abnormalities with features including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension as well as low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Previous studies showed the ameliorating effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on metabolic syndrome parameters, including antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, and antihypertensive. In this review, we deeply and mechanistically evaluated different studies on the effect of S. baicalensis and its two major bioactive constituents, baicalin, and baicalein, on the critical components of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched in the English language until the end of June 2020. Accordingly, S. baicalensis, and its two major bioactive constituents, baicalin and baicalein, represent promising effects on the control of metabolic syndrome and its related disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and their following complications. In summary, our findings show that S. baicalensis and its active constituents, baicalin and baicalein, by activation and upregulation of AMPK and PPAR-γ as the main signaling in the hemostasis of glucose and lipid metabolisms may be favorable candidates for the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome.

Exploring the Mechanism of Gyejibokryeong-hwan against Atherosclerosis Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Gyejibokryeong-hwan (GBH) is a traditional formula comprised of five herbal medicines that is frequently used to treat blood stasis and related complex multifactorial disorders such as atherosclerosis. The present study used network pharmacology and molecular docking simulations to clarify the effect and mechanism of the components of GBH. Active compounds were selected using Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and target genes linked to the selected components were retrieved using Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) and GeneCards. Functional analysis of potential target genes was performed through the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and molecular docking confirmed the correlation between five core compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, baicalein, ellagic acid, and baicalin) and six potential target genes (AKT1, CASP3, MAPK1, MAPK3, NOS2, and PTGS2). Molecular docking studies indicated that quercetin strongly interacted with six potential target proteins. Thus, these potential target proteins were closely related to TNF, HIF-1, FoxO, and PI3K-Akt signal pathways, suggesting that these factors and pathways may mediate the beneficial effects of GBH on atherosclerosis. Our results identify target genes and pathways that may mediate the clinical effects of the compounds contained within GBH on atherosclerosis.

Suppression of miR-4463 promotes phenotypic switching in VSMCs treated with Ox-LDL

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching is a hallmark of vascular remodeling that contributes to atherosclerotic diseases. MicroRNA 4463 (miR-4463) has been implicated in the development of arteriosclerosis obliterans, whereas the underlying mechanisms in VSMCs have not been fully addressed. In this study, we assessed whether miR-4463 is involved in the phenotypic switching process in VSMCs. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL, 50 mg/L) was used to simulate the oxidative stress condition, and miR-4463 expression in VSMCs was detected by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To determine the effect of Ox-LDL-mediated regulation of miR-4463 on the phenotypic switching of VSMCs, cell counting kit-8, cell migration assays, and cytoskeleton test were performed. After using specific antagonists of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the relationship between miR-4463 and its downstream signaling proteins was explored. Ox-LDL induced oxidative stress to promote VSMC transformation from contraction to secretion, which clearly decreased the level of miR-4463. Then, downregulated miR-4463 enhanced the migration and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs and activated the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK; these effects were increased after Ox-LDL induction. As expected, inhibiting the two signaling proteins blocked the effect of the miR-4463 inhibitor combined with Ox-LDL. In addition, inhibition of miR-4463 led to the upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression. The results of this study demonstrate that miR-4463 is a novel regulator of VSMC function in hypoxic conditions and modulates VSMC phenotypic switching via the JNK and ERK signaling pathways; bFGF may be the target gene of miR-4463.

Alleviation of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Rats by Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction: A Tandem Mass Tag-Based Proteomics Study

Background

To study the effect of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction (YQHYJD) on protein expression in the lung tissue of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rats and to explore the underlying molecular therapeutic mechanism of YQHYJD.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats were administered with YQHYJD by oral gavage for 1 week. The rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce ARDS. The lung injury was assessed pathologically. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened by quantitative proteomics and analyzed using bioinformatic tools, such as Metascape and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) mapper. DEPs were verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM).

Results

YQHYJD alleviated the LPS-induced pathological damage of lung tissue in rats. There were 134 DEPs among the YQHYJD treatment and model groups. The Genomes pathway analyses revealed that the DEPs were closely related to immune system pathway. The mass spectrometry analysis revealed that YQHYJD exhibits a protective effect on lung tissue by significantly upregulating hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck), phospholipid phosphatase 3 (Plpp3), myristoylated-alanine rich C-kinase substrate (Marcks), and Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2 (Arpc2), which are related to Fc gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis pathway.

Conclusion

YQHYJD can alleviate the lung injury of ARDS rats by regulating the Fc gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis pathway, which is related to immune system.

Study on Intervention Mechanism of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction on ARDS Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

Yiqi Huayu Jiedu (YQHYJD) is a traditional Chinese medicine decoction made up of eight traditional Chinese medicines. Although YQHYJD is effectively used to prevent and treat ARDS/acute lung injury (ALI) in rats, the molecular mechanisms supporting its clinical application remain elusive. The purpose of the current study was to understand its lung protective effects at the molecular level using network pharmacology approach.

Methods

In an ARDS animal model, the beneficial pharmacological activities of YQHYJD were confirmed by reduced lung tissue damage levels observed on drug treated rats versus control group. We then proposed a network analysis to discover the key nodes based on drugs and disease network. Subsequently, we analyzed interaction networks and screened key targets. Using Western blot to detect the expression level of key targets, the intervention effect of changes in expression level of key targets on ARDS was evaluated.

Results

Pathway enrichment analysis of highly ranked genes showed that ErbB pathways were highly related to ARDS. Finally, western blot results showed decreased level of the AKT1 and KRAS/NRAS/HRAS protein in the lung after treatment which confirmed the hypothesis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results suggest that YQHYJD can exert lung tissue protective effect against the severe injury through multiple pathways, including the endothelial cells permeability improvement, inflammatory reaction inhibition, edema, and lung tissue hemorrhage reduction.

Antibacterial synergy between linezolid and baicalein against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in vivo

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can form biofilms, which prevents the penetration of antibiotics, decreasing their efficacy. This study investigated whether baicalein has synergistic antibacterial effects with linezolid in vivo. We cultivated MRSA 17546 biofilms on silicone implants and inserted them into the air pouches of rat models. The rats were treated with linezolid, baicalein, or a combination therapy for three consecutive days. All treatments reduced the number of colony-forming units (CFU) in the biofilms compared to the control (p < 0.05). However, by day two, the CFU counts were significantly lower in the combination group than in the individual treatment groups (p < 0.05). Histological analysis of the air pouches showed that the severity of the inflammatory cell infiltration was severe in the combination therapy group. In the combination group, the biofilm structure on the implant's surface was sparse and more free colonies could be seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); by day three, no obvious biofilm was observed. The serum levels of Staphylococcus enterotoxin A (SEA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were the lowest in the group where rats were treated with the combination of baicalein and linezolid (p < 0.05) compared to other groups. The results suggest that baicalein may inhibit the accessory gene regulator system, reducing the expression of SEA, thus lowering CRP and PCT levels. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect was more pronounced when baicalein was combined with linezolid. These results provide an important basis for the development of a new combination regimen to treat patients with biofilm-associated MRSA infections.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Alleviates ox-LDL Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Prevents Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice by Regulating PPARγ/FAK Signaling Pathway

The initiation of atherosclerosis (AS) induced by dyslipidemia is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, including decreased healing ability and increased recruitment of monocytes. Studies showed ginsenoside Rg3 has potential to treat diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction which can protects against antineoplastic drugs induced cardiotoxicity by repairing endothelial function, while the effect and mechanism of Rg3 on dyslipidemia induced endothelial dysfunction and AS are not clear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Rg3 on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction and high-fat diets (HFD) induced atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice, as well as the mechanism. For in vitro assay, Rg3 enhanced healing of HUVECs and inhibited human monocytes (THP-1) adhesion to HUVECs disturbed by ox-LDL, down-regulated focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); restrained the FAK-mediated non-adherent dependent pathway containing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 expression, activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), high mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), besides Rg3 up-regulated peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. GW9662, the PPARγ-specific inhibitor, can repressed the effects of Rg3 on ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. For in vivo assay, Rg3 significantly reduced atherosclerotic pathological changes in ApoE^−/− mice fed with HFD, up-regulated PPARγ, and inhibited activation FAK in aorta, thus inhibited expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 in intima. We conclude that Rg3 may protect endothelial cells and inhibit atherosclerosis by up-regulating PPARγ via repressing FAK-mediated pathways, indicating that Rg3 have good potential in preventing dyslipidemia induced atherosclerosis.

The interaction between cucurbit[8]uril and baicalein and the effect on baicalein properties

The host-guest interactions between baicalein (BALE) and cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) and the corresponding properties of the inclusion complex were studied using ¹H NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy and DTA. The results showed that BALE forms an inclusion compound (1:1) with Q[8], and the properties of baicalein are changed by cucurbit[8]uril.

Baicalein Neutralizes Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Aggravation of Oxidative Injury in Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as it triggers oxidative and pro-inflammatory cascades. Baicalein (BL) is a natural flavone with multiple therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of BL supplementation in hypercholesterolaemic rats. Rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for six weeks and then orally administered BL at two doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day) for four weeks. Serum lipids, liver enzymes, cardiac enzymes, renal markers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin-2 (PGE-2) were measured. In renal, hepatic, and cardiac tissues, thiobarbituric acid-reactive (TBARS) substance, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured. The altered levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, creatine kinases, and urea in hypercholesterolemic animals were significantly corrected by BL. Inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers were also markedly attenuated in the HCD group following BL treatment. Hypercholesterolemia considerably induced the lipid peroxidation product, TBARS, and oxidative radicals in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues, which were attenuated by BL treatment, particularly, at the 50 mg/kg/day dose. BL enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase that were suppressed by HCD. Histological alterations induced by cholesterol overload in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues were ameliorated by BL supplementation. Our results show that the BL treatments (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) to HCD fed rats improved all the altered parameters. These results demonstrate that BL treatment improves cardiac, renal and hepatic dysfunctions in hypercholesterolaemic rats by activation of cellular antioxidant enzymes and/or suppression of inflammatory cytokines.

Epithelial sodium channels in endothelial cells mediate diet-induced endothelium stiffness and impaired vascular relaxation in obese female mice

OBJECTIVE

Mineralocorticoid receptor activation of the epithelial sodium channel in endothelial cells (ECs) (EnNaC) is accompanied by aldosterone induced endothelial stiffening and impaired nitric oxide (NO)-mediated arterial relaxation. Recent data support enhanced activity of the alpha subunit of EnNaC (αEnNaC) mediates this aldosterone induced endothelial stiffening and associated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activation. There is mounting evidence that diet induced obesity diminishes expression and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), which would be expected to lead to impaired downstream eNOS activation. Thereby, we posited that enhanced EnNaC activation contributes to diet induced obesity related increases in stiffness of the endothelium and diminished NO mediated vascular relaxation by increasing oxidative stress and related inhibition of AMPKα, Sirt1, and associated eNOS inactivation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Sixteen to twenty week-old αEnNaC knockout (αEnNaC^-/-) and wild type littermate (EnNaC^+/+) female mice were fed a mouse chow or an obesogenic western diet (WD) containing excess fat (46%) and fructose (17.5%) for 16 weeks. Sodium currents of ECs, endothelial stiffness and NO mediated aortic relaxation were examined along with indices of aortic oxidative stress, vascular remodeling and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Enhanced EnNaC activation-mediated WD-induced increases in sodium currents in isolated lung ECs, increased endothelial stiffness and impaired aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (10^-9-10^-4 mol/L). These abnormalities occurred in conjunction with WD-mediated aortic tissue oxidative stress, inflammation, and decreased activation of AMPKα, Sirt1, and downstream eNOS were substantially mitigated in αEnNaC^-/- mice. Importantly, αEnNaC^-/- prevented WD induced increases in endothelial stiffness and related impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation as well as aortic fibrosis and remodeling. However, EnNaC signaling was not involved in diet-induced abnormal expression of adipokines and CYP11b2 in abdominal aortic perivascular adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that endothelial specific EnNaC activation mediates WD-induced endothelial stiffness, impaired eNOS activation, aortic fibrosis and remodeling through increased aortic oxidative stress and increased inflammation related to a reduction of AMPKα and Sirt 1 mediated eNOS phosphorylation/activation and NO production.

Endothelial Cells: From Dysfunction Mechanism to Pharmacological Effect in Cardiovascular Disease

Endothelial cells (ECs) are the innermost layer of blood vessels that play important roles in homeostasis and vascular function. However, recent evidence suggests that the onset of inflammation and the production of reactive oxygen species impair the function of ECs and are a main factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we investigated the effects of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and treatment on ECs in CVD patients. This review article is based on the material obtained from PubMed up to 2018. The key search terms used were "Cardiovascular Disease," "Endothelial Cell Dysfunction," "Inflammation," "Treatment," and "Oxidative Stress." The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reduced nitric oxide (NO) production by ECs impairs the function of blood vessels. Therefore, treatment of CVD patients leads to the expression of transcription factors activating anti-oxidant mechanisms and NO production. In contrast, NO production by inflammatory agents can cause ECs repair due to differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Therefore, identifying the molecular pathways leading to the differentiation of EPCs through mediation of factors induced by inflammatory factors can be effective in regenerative medicine for ECs repair.

Cardiovascular Effects of Flavonoids

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Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the major cause of death worldwide, especially in Western society. Flavonoids are a large group of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in plants, present in a considerable amount in fruit and vegetable. Several epidemiological studies found an inverse association between flavonoids intake and mortality by CVD. The antioxidant effect of flavonoids was considered the main mechanism of action of flavonoids and other polyphenols. In recent years, the role of modulation of signaling pathways by direct interaction of flavonoids with multiple protein targets, namely kinases, has been increasingly recognized and involved in their cardiovascular protective effect. There are strong evidence, in in vitro and animal experimental models, that some flavonoids induce vasodilator effects, improve endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance, exert platelet antiaggregant and atheroprotective effects, and reduce blood pressure. Despite interacting with multiple targets, flavonoids are surprisingly safe. This article reviews the recent evidence about cardiovascular effects that support a beneficial role of flavonoids on CVD and the potential molecular targets involved.

Atheroprotective effects and molecular targets of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has served the Chinese people since antiquity, and is playing an important role in today's healthcare. However, there has been controversy in the use of these traditional herbs due to unclear components and absence of scientific proof. As China plans to modernize traditional medicine, successful attempts to better understand the molecular mechanisms of TCM have been made by focusing on isolating active ingredients from these remedies. In this review, we critically examined the current evidence on atheroprotective effects of bioactive compounds from TCM using in vitro or in vivo models in the past two decades. A total of 47 active compounds were included in our review, which were introduced in the order of chemical structures, source, model, efficacy and mechanism. Notablely, this review highlighted the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these active compounds in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Two compounds were also involved in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Besides, we introduced the legislations of the People's Republic of China ensuring quality and safety of products used in TCM. In summary, studies on bioactive compounds from TCM will provide a new approach for better management of atherosclerosis.

Dietary cholesterol intake and stroke risk: a meta-analysis

Background/Objectives

The association between dietary cholesterol and stroke risk has remained controversial over the past two decades. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between dietary cholesterol and stroke risk.

Results

Seven prospective studies including 269,777 non-overlapping individuals (4,604 strokes) were included. The combined RR of stroke for higher cholesterol intake (> 300 mg/day) was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.90–1.07), and the combined RR of stroke for higher cholesterol intake (> 300 mg/day) in females (age of ≥ 60 years or body mass index of ≥ 24 kg/m²) was 1.18 (95% CI, 1.02–1.36).

Materials and Methods

The PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Relevant studies were identified by searching these online databases through September 2017. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to investigate the strength of the association.

Conclusions

Higher cholesterol intake has no association with the overall stroke risk. Age and body mass index affect the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and stroke risk. However, the association between higher dietary cholesterol and stroke risk in males remains unclear.

Baicalein decreases uric acid and prevents hyperuricemic nephropathy in mice

Baicalein, a natural flavonoid, is structurally advantageous for binding to xanthine oxidoreductase. In our study, molecular docking analysis and Surface Plasmon Resonance revealed a direct interaction between baicalein and xanthine oxidoreductase. Moreover, 50 mg/kg/d baicalein treatment significantly suppressed the viability of xanthine oxidoreductase in hyperuricemia mouse model. The data showed that baicalein remarkably prevented renal dysfunction, ameliorated kidney fibrosis, alleviated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress in hyperuricemia mice. Thus, we concluded that baicalein executed a kidney-protection action in hyperuricemia and therefore may be used as a therapeutic alternative for hyperuricemic nephropathy.

Exercise intervention attenuates hyperhomocysteinemia-induced aortic endothelial oxidative injury by regulating SIRT1 through mitigating NADPH oxidase/LOX-1 signaling

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical cardiovascular disease and a cause of high morbidity and mortality in this world. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been suggested as a risk factor for CAD. In addition, SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) has been reported to play a protective role in a variety of diseases, especially in the cardiovascular system. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on apoptosis and inflammation in HHcy animals. We also tested whether exercise protected against Hhcy-induced dysfunction of endothelium through modulation of SIRT1. C57BL mice (8 in each group) were fed with or without 1% L-methionine (w/w) in water for 4 months to induce HHcy. We found that Hhcy repressed SIRT1 and AMPK expression and increased NADPH oxidase activity. Plasma MDA, endothelium LOX-1 and p-p38 were up-regulated by Hhcy induction. NF-κB and it downstream molecules were activated under Hhcy situation, thereby promoting pro-inflammatory responses. Moreover, we also reported that Hhcy caused endothelium apoptosis involving Akt inhibition and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways. Exercise training significantly protected against endothelium from Hhcy caused oxidative injuries. In addition, EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor) reduced the therapeutic effects by exercise. Our results had indicated that exercise training prevent the development of atherosclerosis through SIRT1 activation and oxidative stress inhibition under Hhcy situation.

Baicalein protects against endothelial cell injury by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway

The involvement of vascular endothelial injury with the pathophysiological process of heart failure has been identified. Baicalein (BAI), a flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, is reported to exert antibacterial, antiviral, antithrombotic and antioxidant effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of BAI on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced vascular endothelial injury. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated by LPS (10 µM) in the presence or absence of BAI. The expressions of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‑lβ, IL‑6, tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 (MCP‑1) were analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The results showed that BAI significantly inhibited the LPS‑induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in HUVECs. BAI suppressed the LPS‑induced upregulation of IL‑1β, IL‑6, TNF‑α and MCP‑1. Furthermore, BAI decreased the expression of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and cleaved caspase‑3; however, it increased the protein level of Bcl‑2. The inhibitory effect of BAI may occur through the suppression of the Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4)/phosphorylated (p)‑transforming growth factor β‑activated kinase 1/tumor necrosis factor receptor‑associated family member associated nuclear factor (NF)‑κB activator‑binding kinase 1 (p‑TBK1)/NF‑κB signaling pathway. An increase in the level of p‑TBK1 by MRT67307 abolished the effect of BAI on p‑p65. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggested that BAI ameliorated endothelial cell injury associated with TLR4/NF‑κB signaling, and highlighted the potential clinical use of BAI in blocking endothelial dysfunction and preventing heart failure.

Effect of AMPK signal pathway on pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Background and aims

Determine the effect of AMPK activation and inhibition on the development of AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm).

Methods

AAA was induced in ApoE^−/− mice by Ang II (Angiotensin II)-infusion. AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside) was used as AMPK activator and Compound C was used as AMPK inhibitor. We further investigate the effect of metformin, a widely used anti-diabetic drug which could activate AMPK signal pathway, on the pathogenesis of aneurysm.

Results

Phospho-AMPK level was significantly decreased in AAA tissue compared with control aortas. AICAR significantly reduced the incidence, severity and mortality of aneurysm in the Ang II-infusion model. AICAR also alleviated macrophage infiltration and neovascularity in Ang II infusion model at day 28. The expression of pro-inflammatory factors, angiogenic factors and the activity of MMPs were also alleviated by AICAR during AAA induction. On the other hand, Compound C treatment did not exert obvious protective effect. AMPK activation may inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) during AAA induction. Administration of metformin also activated AMPK signal pathway and retarded AAA progression in Ang II infusion model.

Conclusions

Activation of AMPK signaling pathway may inhibit the Ang II-induced AAA in mice. Metformin may be a promising approach to the treatment of AAA.

Biotransformation of Chrysin to Baicalein: Selective C6-Hydroxylation of 5,7-Dihydroxyflavone Using Whole Yeast Cells Stably Expressing Human CYP1A1 Enzyme

Naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds are of medicinal importance because of their unique antioxidant, anticancer, and chemopreventive properties. Baicalein, a naturally occurring polyhydroxy flavonoid possessing a diverse range of pharmacological activities, has been used in traditional medicines for treatment of various ailments. Apart from its isolation from natural sources, its synthesis has been reported via multistep chemical approaches. Here, we report a preparative-scale biotransformation, using whole yeast cells stably expressing human cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) enzyme that allows regioselective C6-hydroxylation of 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (chrysin) to form 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein). Molecular modeling reveals why chrysin undergoes such specific hydroxylation mediated by CYP1A1. More than 92% reaction completion was obtained using a shake-flask based process that mimics fed-batch fermentation. Such highly efficient selective hydroxylation, using recombinant yeast cells, has not been reported earlier. Similar CYP-expressing yeast cell based systems are likely to have wider applications in the syntheses of medicinally important polyphenolic compounds.